TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

is off - excellent show at the Fruitmarket in Tolcross, Glasgow last night setting the tone for the tour OR setlist - as explained by Peggy , 50% historical/nostalgia and 50% new(-ish) current line up songs and tunes! Before the k.o. the announcer presented Simon (Peggy and the band!) a commemorative plaque for the landmark anniversary tour. Might be their 3rd Celtic Connection appearance but I do believe that Si was suitably impressed! Full House (as in attendance!) enjoyed quite a tight and fulsome show;
1) Ye Mariners All (following or leading off from another opening tune "See You In A While"???)
2) Myths and Heroes
3) Crazy Man Michael
4) Walk Awhile
5) Portmeirion
6) Devils Work (new Chris Leslie song AND on new cd which was mentioned more than SEVERAL times)
7) John Condon (with heartfelt intro as a family member of this young soldier was present! Time for more MASTERS of WAR songs I fear!!!)
8 ) Festival Bell
9) Naked Highwayman
10)Sir Patrick Spence
11)The Gallivant
12)The Hiring Fair
13)Angelina Baker (was new to me -  http://folk.wales/magazine/?p=993 )
14)Matty Groves
15)Meet on the Ledge (altogether now, Cilla impersonation- SURPRISE,SURPRISE!)

In all an excellent evening's entertainment BUT am I the only one that thought Friends of Fairport (FoF) input for song selection was for the whole year OR is it purely for THE anniversary concert (for those lucky enough to be in the vicinity and afford!!). Really upset that there was no "Who Knows Where The Time Goes?" but realise that probably causes more problems as it really does need THAT Sandy (type) input. BUT they did play Matty Groves - to which I and fellow FoF both said simultaneously "needs Sandy"!!!). A LONG SHADOW to quote ...........was it Simon, Peggy OR Swarb??
PLUS they never took up any of my Dylan cover suggestions!

The number between The Hiring Fair & Matty Groves was Bring Me Back My Feathers (from the Myths & Heroes album) - Angelina Baker would appear to be the name of the old timey tune they play in the middle of the song

Seems pretty similar to the last Wintour setlist.

Fairport have done 'WKWTTG' many times in recent Wintours - Simon actually sings it very well.

and many tours before that

Agreed re-WKWTTG BUT surely for the 50th it should be re-instated. I have spoken to Simon over a beer and to use his own observation it's amazing that for such a relative short span of the band's 50 years Sandy does carry a very "large shadow" and I understand their reluctance to show too much to a specific era but between L & L and the Sandy songs would be up there in any fans "wish list". Just WKWTTG is up there with "Meet on the Ledge" to me!!

I was surprised Jim, that they are not doing stuff off the new album but maybe that waits til the Spring Tour.
The new songs stuff may work best , unplugged and seated!
Complete Tangent. I am surprised how few fests / gigs Trad Arrrr have this yr. I would gave thought fests would want them. Perhaps there is just no appetite fir Folk rock anymore?

Agree about Tradarr.

Makes seeing them at Banbury on the Cropredy Wednesday even more of a highlight.

Talking off, should we get a minibus Taxi from the Bridge Camp site to the gig and back? We are three,Keith will probably be in ,any one else interested in sharing the trip?

Well, Gregg and Marion have their own tour as Fleetwood Cave. Marion is also playing with Gerry Colvin (fnaar, fnaar). That'll cut down on availability. Besides, I think TRADarrr need a good 2nd album to underpin their popularity and they have to have the time to record that sometime, probably this autumn.

Still, will be seeing them in Banbury on Cropredy Wednesday.

Yep , I accept all that I just thought they were a made for festivals', band.
Marion has also left the Jigantics , although she may guest with them at New Forest Fest , cos her and Gregg are on the bill.....as I am sure you know. Need to see you there this yr!

Wendy and I are both Stewarding at New Forest,

Wonderful! I have seriously been thinking of applying but I will be still getting over an op so  may just go as punters

I'm pretty sure the Stewarding positions were filled before Christmas, Dave, so I think you'll have to be a punter this year.

PJ told me at The Dylan Project that the second album was more or less done.

Good news!

Cheers Andy.
Topless go go dancer is apparently still available. I shall apply!
Seriously they still have adverts on their website.

Is that the festival started by Mr Digance?

I rather think not.

He lives close by and appears to have been an influence. http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/newforestfolk

Top show at Tewkesbury... the new songs do indeed sound better live!

Last night's Wintour setlist was very different to the "festival" setlist at the top of this thread.  As I posted last night, the new songs' "tweeness" quotient is (to my mind) greatly reduced in the live setting.

I'll leave it to others to post setlists; the chaps were in fine fettle musically and physically, and their usual bonhomie was evident right from the start, and I felt there was a real sense of celebration after the gig - which may have been helped by Ian Burgess bringing on glasses of bubbly (orange juice for Chris) just before MOTL.

Part way through the first half, Ric announced that the band had been given a birthday cake - made by Milly (9) who was sat a few seat along from me. Kinder eggs decorated with icing to look like the chaps - Peggy "upset" that his egg had no icing on top!  :o

Peggy remarked onstage that Fairport's Saturday night set at Cropredy will be around 3 hours, and that they are using "The Ledge's" poll of songs as the basis for the setlist (the inclusion of Matty and MOTL being a given).  So, what we hear will largely be what has been requested/voted for.  [Oh bugger, I knew I should have voted for Sloth  ;)]

A word for Sally Barker - great choice of support (and she helped out on a couple of songs...)

A bit late getting on this thread, but thoroughly enjoyed the performance in Glasgow.  I thought Chris was on particularly good form both singing and playing.  Its been good hearing some different tunes and with the addition of a few appropriate guests I look forward with growing excitement to what should be a cracking set to close Cropredy.

 

Worthing tonight.

Usual failure to sell out (or even close). Usual rather stilted audience. And the chaps had spent most of the day stuck in a traffic jam on the M25 so only arrived a few minutes before gig time.

Sally Barker, who I was entirely unfamiliar with (other than once seeing the Poozies at Cropredy many years ago) was terrific. I was completely transported by her set. Transported at least as far as the CD stand that is. I would have paid to see her in her own right.

I also thoroughly enjoyed Fairport so everything that follows is by way of observation, not (for the most part) criticism.

It is a very mellow and mid paced set list, with surprisingly  little rising to a tempo exceeding the level of toe tapper. It stands in marked contrast to the energetic, pyrotechnic performances of the Maart years that I first experienced.

Simon was the dominant lead vocalist with only 3 or 4 solo lead vocals from Chris, a change from recent tours I thought.

Two of the new songs do stray dangerously close to Daytrip To Bangor territory, even in their live performances. I can see that the bus song is trying to be an update of Angel Delight but it doesn't quite work and as for the other one, PJ Wright should know better.

I have seen them in this venue many times. There used to be young girls dancing dreamily in the aisles by the stage. There are no longer young girls or very much for them to dance to . I was in my mid 20s then. Now I am in my mid 50s. It sort of made me feel old.

And they were in their 30 and 40's and are now in their 60's and 70's now  :-\

It doesn't have to be like this though, does it?  There are plenty of examples of people of this age playing music with energy and passion.

What a terribly sad review....  :(

I was at Worthing last night too, agree with pretty much everything Gub's written. A few observations : firstly, it was good to see that Chris has actually brought his fiddle with him on this tour. Secondly, I agree about the new material especially the well-intentioned but misguided Angel Delight update. Thirdly, surely the banjo Matty Groves has had its 5 year lifespan, maybe time for Chris to revert to bouzouki, or dare I say it, fiddle for the tale of rural lust and infidelity ?

The guys played superb twin fiddle renditions of WKWTTG and Fotheringay, but the highlight for me was a transcendent Rising For The Moon with Sally Barker taking the lead vocal. Worth the price of entry alone. Don't know why, but I've also become curiously re-attached to Meet On The Ledge again this year. Overall, on this showing, I'd be very happy to go and see them later in the year and possibly at a certain festival...

Al, Dan , thanks for this.
Really glad you enjoyed Sally. She lives near us and so have watched her for over 25 yrs in local village hall gigs supporting community events. Saw her with Poozies ,and I have loved her stuff for a very long time.
Seeing she hasn't got a discrete spot  at Cropredy I hope she is a main voice as part of Fairports set.
David we don't disagree often but I didn't find Al's review sad, just honest. He did say he enjoyed the gig.
It is a review of where Fairports are now. Still tremendous musicians, comfy in what they are doing and playing gentler songs to an ageing audience.
You are right it is not the band you and I remember..Tempis Fugit.
I am ( nearly) 65 and play out, usually locally these days, about 4 times a week. For them to sustain a tour of that length , in the back of a mini bus, with very few days off , is impressive.

I was aiming for wistful rather than sad.

I think the real surprise was the pace of the set. Even this incarnation of the band has always included plenty of up tempo tunes as recently as last year's tour, whether it be Walk Awhile, Festival Bell, I'm Already There, Hexhamshire Lass etc. That was the missing element. There were only really Bring Me Back My Feathers (not a favourite), Eleonor's Dream and Matty to raise the pulse a bit.

I agree with Dan, Fotheringay and Rising were definite highlights.

Tunbridge Wells tonight.... really looking forward to it as an appetiser for the summer (tickets safely stored). Having followed many incarnations,venues and styles, Gubs review is pretty much what I'm hoping for, a mature and accomplished set, although as one of those who used to bop in the aisles, perhaps a wistful nod towards good old fashioned folkROCK wouldn't be unwelcome....

Perhaps they are saving their energy for a long, up tempo night in August!

Well, when you're all seventyish, perhaps once a year in the summer is all you can muster!  :)

Ooer missis!

All? Don't let Chris and  Ric hear you say that  ;)

David...in this line-up, they play what they have played music-style wise for the last decade. You are beginning to sound very parrot-like....can you mot find anything new to say? Sorry, but personally speaking, We know what you would like them to play and hearing you say you're disappointed again and again?...

Dan O and GubGub have summed up very well.

 :)

Had a lovely evening at Tunbridge Wells, pretty much as expected, which was a delight. Sorting out tickets for next series of gigs... found FC @TW... obviously bought early, forgot, panicked, bought again.... DOH!! Definitely losing it, just hope I can fend off the senility till august!

I have a spare ticket  for Southport this Friday (10th) row M face value £20. (Josh is working ☹️) Anyone interested? (IM me if you are )

Cheers
Mike

An enjoyable show at Southport on Friday night. I particularly liked 'Rising for the moon' with Sally Barker on

here's the setlist

Sally barker

01. Ghost girl
02. Two heart
03. Talk about money
04. Emperor of cool
05. Sleepy eyes
06. I'm not whole (with Fairport Convention)

Fairport Convention

07. Our bus rolls on
08. Genesis Hall
09. Devil's work
10. Now be thankful
11. Danny Jack's reward
12. Summer by the Cherwell
13. Who knows where the time goes
14. Bring me back my feathers

15. Sir Patrick Spens
16. Fotheringay
17. Rising for the moon (w. Sally Barker)
18. Portmerion
19. The naked highwayman
20. Farewell farewell
21. The hiring fair
22. Eleanor's dream
23. Matty Groves

24. Meet on the ledge

Let's hope Burnley is good tomorow then!!!!

Does the current band play Now Be Thankful regularly?

Who sings it?

Chris sings it, and his voice is well suited to it.

Agreed. Chris sings it very well, as he has since the XXXV tour and album in 2002.

Thanks.  I must, and will have, seen him/them do it, but I'm afraid my recall isn't what it used to be...

enjoyable night in Oakengates Telford last night. Set list the same as Southport last week.

Maart in audience and joined them for some solo electric in "meet on the ledge" which was nice to see! Also Peggy's nephew in the audience too. So some jokes about DIY as he is a lecturer at a local college in this subject. Great to have a chat with the guys after and to get the set list signed!

Maart! Wish I'd been there  :)

I've seen some footage online.  Nice.  Pity he was so under-utilised....

Do the set lists ever change? All the set lists I've seen are exact!y the same.

I think it's a list for the tour, barring any special requests they may fit in (if they do......).

A terrific night in Brecon, despite Simon losing his way in "Naked Highwayman" and accidentally taking Sally's line in MOTL.

Very tight knit, Chris' instruments a bit prominent in the mix.

A few pix

[attachment deleted by admin]

good pics Andy! were they still suffering from Colds?

What's up with Peggy? Why the chair and sitting ng down?

Anno Domini, I imagine...

Nothing said, but his right leg appeared to be giving him gip.

No colds audible.

He has been using the chair all tour. Certainly he was in Worthing which was one of the early shows, not all the time, just for the occasional song.

Just the aches and pains of age I suspect. I have trouble standing up for a couple of hours in the audience, let alone with a heavy bass guitar slung around one's neck.

When they used to play with a drum rise I can remember him often sitting down on the edge of it during the slower numbers...and I'm talking 30 odd years ago....

In my own experience, I play better sitting down (which isn't saying much).  When precision and concentration are required...

Just about to stroll down to the Electric Palace in Bridport. I will check out for signs of cough sweets and previously  undeclared leg  complaints (maybe he is suffering with Peggy leg)

In terms of snotty noses it would appear Chris still has one as he brought on a box of Kleenex (man size) and had at least 3 blows during tonight's performance in Bridport. No sign of any other sniffles.

Peggy had a chair but only used it during a couple of numbers. However I did not witness his usual side shuffle that he does when playing.

Sad that the band's various ailments get more of a mention than the songs/performance do!

Notice on the door at Bromsgrove tonight, "Tonights performance will be filmed by the company" fingers crossed for Christmas presents, PJ and Anna Ryder are both here as well. :)

Is Sally dancing?  :o is that allowed?  ;D

As long as her feet aren't set for dancing!!! ;)

It was lovely to see him. Really looking forward to seeing him at cropredy too!

Last night at Salford Quays Theatre

Sally Barker : An Asset to the Tour..great songs and 'Rising For The Moon' with FC a highlight.

Superb sound from John Gale.

Tour Programme the best yet.

New CD for £10 is fine (7 out of 14 tracks played)

All 5 members on top form..looking forward to Whitby in March.

Hello everyone,

I have managed to attend the Southport & Salford shows and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

On both occasions I have felt the absolute favourite performance was by Sally Barker when she joined the boys for a supreme reading of 'Rising for the Moon'. I also felt it was a mistake not to have her singing 'Who knows.....' as despite Simon's undoubted qualities, his voice just does not suit these emotional lyrics. Sally has performed the song many times since she included a beautiful version on her 1988 album, 'Tango'. Whilst no one has, or will, equal Sandy's tour de force, I feel Sally comes pretty close!

I honestly believe that Sally is such a good 'fit' for the band, if she is available, they should use her in a more prominent role for their future concerts after this current tour concludes. Although she finishes her current stint when the Winter tour ends, I understand that they have already asked her to join them for the Golden Anniversary show at Union Chapel on 27th May next. Wise move methinks!

I hardly dare say this :-[  but I will be brave! Am I alone in not liking Sally Barkers singing? I was actually glad that she did not do "who knows". please someone tell me I am not alone? :-\

Not entirely alone,  saw Liverpool & Southport,  enjoyed her short set both times.  Pretty sure she did WKWTTG at Cropredy not so long ago and I wasn't keen (I think it was all the arm gestures ),  and wasn't keen on Rising for the Moon on this tour ( I think it was swinging the scarf that did for me ) .  So if she'd kept hold of her guitar I might have been quite happy.   Nowt as weird as folk......

I think she has a fine voice, but I wonder how much she is influenced by her training on The Voice...

I never saw The Voice but she sounds very natural to me. I was slightly sceptical because of The Voiice connection but I was completely won over and of course most of her songs/albums are pre Voice anyway.

Al, Brij, I'll try not to repeat what I said earlier in this thread but let's not forget that Sally has been a 'folk singer' , solo and as an  integral part of the Poozies for over 25 yrs.
Her version of Another Train , from the very early 90's ,is a very special version for me.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uEocCZALGWg
The Voice was just an opportunity for some publicity. She adapted her repertoire but not her voice.

+1

Music us subjective.
I have 'folky' friends who don't like Sandy's voice and there are some folk icons I don't like. C'est la vie.

Same here. Loads of 'em. But then, I am not a folk music fan, especially if it is defined according to Shirley Collins (who is one of the icons in question).  ;)

Names and addresses please - they need a visit.   :( :)

That's a bit heavy Mr T :o

I'll put the kettle on.

Jay and Silent Bob strike back, comes to mind

Addresses sent. Be gentle with them?
Do you like the Incredible String Band?
You may want to consider your answer! ;D ;D ;)

ISB?  Always been top favourites of mine.  :-X

We need a fluttering eyes emoji.   :)

Saved!!!!! Ignore the knocking on your door.......or you could invite Big Brian and Knuckles O'Teef in for a cup of tea and show them your copy of Wee Tam and the Big Huge. ::)

FWIW I reckon it's bloody marvelous the lads are still recording, touring, and producing Cropredy.
Glad to see Peggy's mantra in the darkest hours still holds true..one just has to....  "bollock on" :)

And so say all of us! Having first heard fairports leige and lief at the age of 10, whilst sitting on top of a narrowboat , I never in my wildest dreams thought some 40 odd years later i would still be going to see them on tour! So yes "bollock on" lads!

I can't lay my hands on that album currently!  

More like a visit from the folk wing of the Jehovah's Witnesses.

Great show at the Union Chapel. Sold-out show, and a receptive audience who warmed up as the evening went on (big cheers for a few songs). I thought it was a good set list (nice to hear Sir Pat and Genesis Hall again). Playing was excellent all night. We sat next to Frank Skinner, who looked like he had a good time. I left feeling in a thoroughly good mood!

Does anyone know if the top 20 song request that was made in last years programme dropped? It wasn't mentioned. I'd love to know what songs made up the list!

Was at same gig for my birthday...agree with the above and 2nd half better than 1st half which was a bit lacklustre to my ears...slightly worrying though was Peggy spending a large portion of the set seated, is this an indication that age is catching up and he may be thinking of ending going on tours?

Isn't that the Birthday gig there in May will be based around? I think tgat's what Peggy said during one of their tour dates....

ah, you could be right, Chris. Guess I'll find out in May!

(So I read online) Maart in P'boro apparently (1 song with Sally in t'first half + MOTL)....

So, lasr night to The Winding Wheel at Chesterfield for my first FC gig in a decade. Those who read my (re)intro to this site at http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=28526.msg709370#msg709370 will have seen that up to 2007 I had been getting less and less enthusiastic about the band and it's output post Chris Leslie, to such an extent that I wondered why I still went to something that since the early 80s had been my winter highlight prompting attendance at several dates on each WinTour.The past decade of buying and listening to execrable albums had done little to re-enthuse me and I play solely “older” FC stuff these days. A pre-listen to 50:50 left me cold, but as it IS a celebration I decided to go to this WinTour in hope rather than expectation, and I approached last night with a sense of foreboding but went with an open mind and the hope I would find that the band failed to meet my expectations and would rise above all the recent pap. In summary, to save anyone the trouble if not really interested, then I'd say it was  not quite 50:50 but I didn't come away TOO disappointed;

I've been to this venue several times, so was prepared for the ass-numbing temporary chairs.This was definitely no sell out- loads of empty seats even in the first rows (I was in B) and a pretty lack-lustre audience, mostly old gits like me! Ric introduced Sally Barker – never heard of her, wouldn't be bothered if I never saw her again, too much “la la la”ing (though in song 2 it was just one forgotten line- not one of the openers you remember like John B Spencer but pleasant enough.

And so to the main event. I've read the setlist for previous dates, and I know that this, and the schtick/patter/jokes don't generally vary from night to night-- this show was as per the Union Chapel date, And off we go with  the utter pap of “The Bus”; p-- WTF?, open a 50th celebration with THIS? On to Genesis Hall-- quiet, understated,listenable, but underpinned by an annoyinf plinking on CL's mandolin. Then another whimsical ramble about DIY before another CL travesty of no consequence called “Devils Work”- best say nowt else about this rubbish, Onto “Now be Thankful”, a song I can listen to forever,AND unbelievably I enjoy CL singing most of this  and the mandolin was a bit more toned down- the show was improving!To Danny Jack, and it's OK but unmemorable, then the utter sh1te of Summer by the Cherwell- uh oh, the thing's plummeting again! And am I the only one who is thoroughly sick of the overuse of the mandolin,- Swarb used it occasionally to great effect, tell CL it isn't a lead instrument will ya!I saw him strap on a black and white Stratocaster in 97 (when he replaced Maart) or so,probably against his will, and rock it- dig it out again Chris.WKWTTG is quite lovely- but I know the pasr 10years haven't been kind to me, and Simon's voice has sounded to lack SOMEtthing, a loss of a rich chocolatey sonority it used to have- and that f'ing mandolin is still there,by now I want to grab it,smash it and hide it where CL's sun don't shine! And to the end of the first half- thankfully sans mandolin, oh hell here comes a banjo and a **** song that proves that 20 years on the irritating Anna Ryder can trouble us remotely with this junk about bringing back feathers;;;;

So to what, in less PC days, was called “tiddle break”- God, I needed it. BUT, I has read from previous posts  that side 2 got better, so I lived in hope.

It starts out promising. Simon's changed into a jaunty red and blue striped top, has his Stratocaster on, and seems more “lubricated”. And off with a perennial favourite Sir Patrick-- my heart lifts, the band rocks a bit, I can ignore the f'ing mandolin. Is this going to lay to rest the disappointing Side1?Onto a Sandy section,a nice Fotheringay then with Sally to another fave, Rising for the Moon- I've read conflicting views re this on this thread, I love the song, it was OK, but I feel that it needs a girly singer who CAN “rise” a bit more. The old raging idea of another girl singer has reappeared here, after 40 years of unequivocal statements from the band of “never”- Sally isn't her, Vikki Clayton came closest....

Another, forgettable Portmeirion, then another to my mind rubbish song, Naked Highwayman, not Tilston's best product, and I'm still loathing that mandolin. THEN, in hindsight, it gets to a point from where I think I got my money's worth? Farewell Farewell is lovely, CL's penny whistle gives a charming Gaelic air; My heart sinks briefly- CL goes for the mando, but the unmistakeable opening chords on Simon's guitar of Hiring Fair lift me up, and surprise surprise the mandolin is NICE as an accompanying instrument to this most wonderful of songs. A quick drop back down into inanity and forgettable songs with Elinor's Dream. I really can't get this thing about CL's songs. The topical ones all sound saccharine and trite with predictable rhyme, and as to the “historical” songs, he ain't no Al Stewart for sure! The finale approaches- Matty rocks, I enjoy it, but I want MORE- why oh why the plunking banjo, get a second electric guitar on it and give it some vavavoom and volume! They,re off, back for MOTL, then I'm out of there, another FC gig over.

Overall, it was not as bad as I expected. I came away having enjoyed about a third of it. I'd listened in amazement to more of the recent shite songs- why oh why with a 50 year back catalogue of great songs and tunes do this utter garbage, especially celebrating the 50 years. I know they need to keep it fresh, I know it's said they enjoy the current sound- but I didn't see much joie de vivre last night. I think they could easily cut away the front right fifth of the show, play as a rockier four piece, and do away with CL's input-- or better still, get in another Maart to bring back a harder edge and some greater production-- for example Hiring Fair used to be  great with Mattack' 4 keyboards, it's still lovely but everything can be Improved. Will I go again?- nope, that's me done with FC. It's been nearly 50 years of listening, nearly 35 of WinTours, but unless there's a lineup change for me to see a different show, then I'll be absent. It's been nice fellas, but I don't want comfy,laid back,trite performancessittin' in my ol' armchair with a brandy,roaring fire and Val Doonican jumper. I want rip-roaring folk rock. Little rock, and Simon himself says folk was not that big a part of the whole “canon”. He asks if we enjoyed it, if not let them know- I hope you read this Simon. So on graduation from 50 years (or 20 as the current band) I'd say “could do better”.

I'm sure otheres will disagree. I'm sure those who are CL fans, tell me he's a talented multi-instumentalist and songwriter will say I'm being unfair, but I'm sorry, for me he is the weakest link. GOODBYE!

I'm more than happy to read an extended review with thought and reasoning behind it, no matter what the conclusion.  [;-)    

John, thank you for the review.
I have been searching for reviews.
Subjective but no the worse for that and honest.
 

Thanks for the understanding responses- and sorry about the typos, I'm just back from France with a laptop with AZERTY keyboard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But they do.

It is why this band should probably not be called Fairport Convention because for many people that name sets up an expectation of something that this line up are never going to deliver and have not done so since about the turn of the century.

The decision to replace Maart with a talented, versatile but entirely acoustic musician signalled a change of direction that most of us probably did not pick up on at the time, possibly because they saddled Chris uncomfortably with something hard bodied and electric to play during his first tour. I do agree that it would make a nice change if he would just put down the mandolin and pick up a batocaster (or whatever it was) occasionally and restore some oomph to the sound. It worked well on Spanish Main all those years ago as I recall. But it is clearly never going to happen. It is unfortunate that in this of all years, the selection of original songs from the Chris era (but not by any means all written by Chris) both for the album and the tour have tended towards the trite, singalong, nursery rhyme style. That doesn't have to be the case. It is always going to be a matter of personal taste but there are much more substantial songs even in this part of the band's catalogue.

No, Sir. Not by a long shot. I have on occasion wanted to wrench it from Mr Leslie's grasp and smash it to pieces. It works - brilliantly - on a few songs, but it's overuse is affecting their sound to the point that they are no longer folk-rock. I yearn for the days of Maart and his Fender (I think?) giving backbone to the band's sound.

IMHO Chris Leslie is a highly accomplished musician and songwriter and some of his songs have become firm favourites on the Bridgwit jukebox, but please, please Chris - less mando.
 :-X

What is Simon's voice like on this tour - not seen the band for a couple of years but all the clips I have seen and my snippets of the most recent albums suggest to me it may be, if not totally shot well on the way to it. His overenunciation (sp?) of lyrics, almost comedy piratical "arrr" sound in words and his inability to sing anything even vaguely rocky with any intensity seems to show some issues with his voice possibly leading to song choices being made that he is comfortable singing - essentially very slow ballads.

I understand they are a bit younger but compared to what John Jones still does with the Oysters (and I am guessing he is in his 60's, and Steve Knightley with Show of Hands (who is just 4 years younger than Simon) I find Simon Nicol's voice is almost like it has been recorded at 45 and played at 33 - just doesn't work for me any more.

DW

The problem is, if he doesn't play mando, what does he do? The fiddle position is already taken. That's why his appointment as a replacement for Maart seemed like such a strange decision. It made perfect sense as a stand in for Ric in 1992, which worked brilliantly and resulted in one of the best Fairport gigs I ever saw but when Maart left the decision seems to have been based more on how much they enjoy Chris's company (understandably) rather than what the band needed musically at the time.



I agree, I have felt his voice was deteriorating in recent years but he seemed in decent form at the Worthing show. This may be, as you say, down to the material that he now chooses to sing. I have to say that the band's close harmony work at that show was outstanding and far better than we have any right to expect from voices of a certain age. Peggy seems to be key to this, which is odd because I have never really been fond of his occasional lead vocals, of which there is another on the new album.

Brilliant! That's exactly what he does sound like at times. Maybe Mark Radcliffe could use his services in Galleon Blast.

 ;D

Wow - he's 62.....I put him in his mid-fifties.

and Phil is 63

I was at the gig reviewed above... and am saddened by the whole tone of the review.

Call me a sycophant if you wish, but for goodness sake this band has been on the road for 50 years... that half a century...  give them some credit please!

Ok maybe the reviewer had a few gripes, and some of them may be relevant...  the DIY song I agree is not the best to put it mildly.  But much of the review to me sounded like a personal attack for no real reason.

Could the reviewer do any better?

Sally Barker is, to me, one of the best Wintour guests they have had for a while, she plays for us too and is a lovely lady with a great voice.

For me it was another brilliant night at a lovely venue, with a perfectly enthusiastic audience. Yes there were a few empty seats, but so what?

I just wonder why the reviewer would want to write so rudely about this band and their show.  They do their utmost to bring us joy and have never failed to make me and all our friends happy.

I am glad he says he won't return to the Winding Wheel...  and very glad that he wasn't seated anywhere near me.

If you don't like something at least try to be pleasant about it!

I read no personal attack. Lighten up, Jenny?....I do see what he means.

To be fair, if one only reviewed things that we could do better, there'd be hardly anything reviewed on here at all.

Well...no they haven't. Not really. This band has been on the road for 20 years.



Because of the point I made here.



I agree that there is no need to be rude and some of the invective was over the top but in the eyes of many whose love of the band was cemented between 1967 and 1979 or even up to 1996, what the current band present is little short of fraudulent.

I don't entirely agree but I can certainly understand the point of view.

Maybe in soft drinks terms we are now experiencing Diet Coke Caffeine Free as opposed to the full fat version of Thompson and Swarb and the slightly less fattening Diet version with Maart before the caffeine was also removed with Chris taking over.

The arguments being put forward are understandable but to me it's a bit like comparing Peter Gabriel-era Genesis with the later, more poppier version...both eras have merit and flaws. Similarly with FC, I like parts of the earlier vintage and parts of the current line-up but I hope I am discerning enough to acknowledge this and not make sweeping statements to the effect that the current FC is "rubbish" compared with pre-Chris Leslie days

Fairport today is what they are...

If you don't like them then don't go to their gigs...
But don't be so rude about them.

As I said.. I was at that gig... so I felt it necessary to respond, and as for me lightening up Chris Bates.. it is surely the reviewer that needs to lighten up, not me?

On a happier note it was lovely to see the great David Hughes there and looking so well, nice to have a chat with him.

If you don't like them then don't go to their gigs...
But don't be so rude about them
[/quote]

Exactly and more succinctly put than myself  :)  I was at the Union Chapel gig last Saturday and came away happy. I was not expecting a rock band and got what I was expecting...if you go to see FC and expect expect something like LED Zep you are in the wrong place

Everyone's entitled to their opinion, Jenny - as you say, if you don't like it, don't [read] it (all) - it was prefaced such that you could work out what he was about to say. He wasn't rude, as in nasty, sweary. It hasn't been removed by Mods....

Exactly and more succinctly put than myself  :)  I was at the Union Chapel gig last Saturday and came away happy. I was not expecting a rock band and got what I was expecting...if you go to see FC and expect expect something like LED Zep you are in the wrong place
[/quote]

But how do you know any of that until you go and see them? If all you know of their work is their 70s output and you decide to go and see them based on that (and let's face it, their publicity does lean heavily on their status as the pioneers of British folk rock, which the current band then play down on stage), you are likely to be disappointed.

If you bought a ticket to a band billing itself as, let's say Wishbone Ash as an example, you expect to hear Blowin' Free and Phoenix and The King Will Come and Sometime World etc alongside some new material and that is what you get (from both versions). It is not unreasonable that for some punters who buy a ticket to a band billing itself as Fairport Convention they will expect to get at least one electric guitar consistently and hear Walk Awhile and Sloth and Polly On The Shore and The Journeyman's Grace and Run Johnny Run and Tam Lin (name your own list), the music that made the band's name,  and they will go away disappointed because this isn't really the same band.

But how do you know any of that until you go and see them? If all you know of their work is their 70s output and you decide to go and see them based on that (and let's face it, their publicity does lean heavily on their status as the pioneers of British folk rock, which the current band then play down on stage), you are likely to be disappointed.

If you bought a ticket to a band billing itself as, let's say Wishbone Ash as an example, you expect to hear Blowin' Free and Phoenix and The King Will Come and Sometime World etc alongside some new material and that is what you get (from both versions). It is not unreasonable that for some punters who buy a ticket to a band billing itself as Fairport Convention they will expect to get at least one electric guitar consistently and hear Walk Awhile and Sloth and Polly On The Shore and The Journeyman's Grace and Run Johnny Run and Tam Lin (name your own list), the music that made the band's name,  and they will go away disappointed because this isn't really the same band.
[/quote]

Point taken but there things called reviews and there is YouTube and you can listen to the current albums so you can get a very good idea about what you are going to see

As you say, there are reviews - and this is one of them. At the outset it was pretty much stated that the visit was made more in hope than expectation, and that was always going to be a pretty good indicator of the tenor of the piece. Inferring that someone shouldn't have gone to a gig in the first place isn't the way we're going to encourage civil discussion between folk who have differing subjective viewpoints about what they thought they saw.  

The mantle of great folk/rock innovators has long passed from Fairport's collective brows. What they do, they do very well, although  the songs themselves are not in the same vein of 30, 40 years ago.

Whether collectively or with other musicians, they have all been on the stage and touring for many years and this has undoubtedly taken its toll. Simon's voice was liquid gold at Brecon, but a cold may have robbed it of nuance at other points of the tour. Both he and Peggy have taken to exaggerated mouth shaping in the past couple of years, possibly in order to maintain their voices (Simon more successfully than Peggy, IMHO) and I can't help but think they've had some help from vocal coaches in this regard.

If anyone went to see any band based upon the output in the early 1970s, then they'd be listening to a different sound entirely. Robert Plant's voice is nowhere near what it was, Elton John has abandoned any range in his singing and Ian Anderson's is a hoarse untuneful echo of the past that should be retired.

People should be realistic. This version of Fairport is probably the last and, apart from the occasional guest appearance by RT or Maart (or indeed child prodigies), the days of vibrant electric guitar in the band would seem to have passed. I intend to cherish what we have in front of us at Cropredy and not walk around saying that it were different in the old days.

I find it rather contradictory that when Fairport do play old stuff, they're accused of not having produced new material and, when playing new material, are accused of not playing the old stuff. They can't win, but they can certainly entertain.

By the way, I fully support anyone who has paid out good money to see a band being able to criticise that which they have paid for,

I think you are mixing me up with someone else...I actually thought that the review was well put together and I can understand the points being made. Just because I don't agree with them all is my prerogative

Agree totally with everything you say!

Hi Chris - apologies, the 'quote' boxes got a little muddled back upstream and in unblocking the flow I think someone else's text got misattributed to you.

No worries  ;D. Finding this conversation fascinating and I sill love FC and the new album (well not every track TBH) but I'm happy to skip over those (such as Danny Jack's Reward)

Yes, Chris's and my posts seem to have got swapped somehow. I am furious as my very insightful opinions now look as though they came from someone else!  ;D ;)

It was probably my fault as technology is not my strongest attribute :-\

Despite my earlier rather flippant comment about Simon's voice I have to say that for someone who started off as the band's rhythm guitarist (and presumably never imagined that one day he would be their frontman and vocalist), he has done an admirable job over the years.

I was listening to Off The Desk yesterday and I'd have to say that, in my opinion, Chris has the best voice in the current line-up but Simon has my respect especially for singing the Sandy-era songs. It can never have been easy getting up on stage to sing songs like Genesis Hall or WKWTTG with all the memories he must have of hearing Sandy sing them all those years ago.

Interesting review a little earlier.  Calling something you disagree with a personal attack on here is something i've become fairly used to over the years, but this quite clearly isn't that.  I'm fairly certain I'd have agreed with most of the views if I'd have gone to the gig.  The one thing i find so wholly tragic about the 'Chris Leslie issue' is that I think Chris is Swarb's natural successor - I massively prefer his style of fiddling to Ric's.  Quite why a) he's not the fiddler in the band, and b) he's now somehow the songwriter, lies at the heart (along with the decision to drop the lead guitar from the lineup) of all that I (and others) feel is wrong with what they are today.  The battle's lost, of course, and, yes, I really should get over it, but when you have such a strong connection with something, it really is hard.

Amen to this.

Jules

Exactly and more succinctly put than myself  :)  I was at the Union Chapel gig last Saturday and came away happy. I was not expecting a rock band and got what I was expecting...if you go to see FC and expect expect something like LED Zep you are in the wrong place
[/quote]
I suppose some people went expecting to see something like their Fairport Convention.

Very pleased that the one thing that has gone of late is Ric's plucking on the violin that was prominent a few years back. A lot more annoying than the mandolin is now!!!

Hi Dave - not sure how anyone claim a version of a band as "their" version.

a) Because Ric was there first and had been for 11 years by the time Chris joined. Why Chris was not asked in '85 is a whole other question. Maybe he wasn't available.
b) Because nobody else is and somebody had to step up to make them viable.

The bigger issue is certainly the decision not to appoint an electric/lead guitarist.

Isn't fandom about a sense of ownership? It is to me...My Fairport is Simon, Peggy, Swarb and Bruce....Always will be.

Just wondering if anyone who could have filled this post then and now?

PJ Wright.

It's too late now imo.

Sorry but music is for everyone and is not subject to "ownership"

Just curious is all

That is a spectacular missing of the point. The music isn't the issue. Most fans, certainly the ones I know, have a partcular affinity with certain eras of their favourite artists' career, usually the era in which they first encountered them and/or the era during which the fans were at their most impressionable.

Yes, sorry Chris. I didn't phrase it well.
2 ish yrs ago a couple went to a Fairport gig and complained that Sandy and Trevor weren't there!!!
I was just trying to express that people who knew the band in the 60's, 70's 80's and even 90's who walk into a gig now , will find it a very different band.
My Fairport has RT and Sandy and Swarb in it and I suspect we all have a fave.

If I've spectacularly missed the point, I apologise but I like music...all sorts and I don't regard it as ownership. If it is good (to my ears even if everyone else hates it or the band) I don't care and I don't criticise other people's tastes either

That's mine too.

According to The Woodworm Era biography, Chris was approached for the vacant fiddle post, he's even referred to as "the obvious choice", but wasn't available at the time due to his commitments with Whippersnapper. Ric played on Gladys' Leap and the rest is history...

Well,well,well! It seems my little review caused a bit of a stir. I note some agreement with some of my observations, but I am sorry if at least one person “Jenny” has taken offence.

Some context here. I had seen no full scale reviews of this tour,to give me a heads up before attending, just snippets, so thought I'd put in my thoughts. I had already expressed my position of disillusionment with the current ( read past 20years) FC lineup and product, and my pessimism that it would continue so, but nonetheless the HOPE that I'd be pleasantly surprised?


To answer Jenny:

 I was at the gig reviewed above... and am saddened by the whole tone of the review.

If you were thee, you may have a different take on the gig- I didn't take a straw poll of the audience and report it, it was my personal view of the event. I'm entitled by dint of coughing up my thirty quid to take a view on what is served up to me. You don't have to read,or agree with my views

 for goodness sake this band has been on the road for 50 years... that half a century...  give them some credit please!

I don't know your history of involvment with FC but they haven't.This lineup 20 years.I did give them a LOT of credit- followed the band for years even during times of disillusionment, and credited that which I found good last night

much of the review to me sounded like a personal attack for no real reason.

Really, on whom and why?  I WANTED to be blown away, not to be disappointed- and when I WAS disappointed I identified why that was so. It seems many have similar reservations about Mr Leslie's contribution to FC. I've seen many comments on here re him being “twee”- I too have previously used that term, but have concluded that I think “trite” to be a more appropriate descriptor

Could the reviewer do any better

not the point.I'm no musician- I'm the punter/fan who pays the troubadour to be entertained

Sally Barker is, to me, one of the best Wintour guests they have had for a while, she plays for us too and is a lovely lady with a great voice.

Your opinion, you are entitled to it. I didn't, I feel, denigrate her, I just wasn4t enthralled. Vikki Clayton, John B Spencer, Fraser Nimmo, Beryl Marriott are just 4 “supports” that stick in my mind out of the many, Sally may head your list and I am pleased for you

 I just wonder why the reviewer would want to write so rudely about this band and their show.  They do their utmost to bring us joy and have never failed to make me and all our friends happy

rude is as rude finds. If you were there, you too heard Simon say he hoped we were all happy- and if not, say so- so I did. My prerogative anyway, whether invited to do so or no

I am glad he says he won't return to the Winding Wheel

I didn't- really must read more carefully. I like the place and it's pretty local to me. I don't rate the seating- check yourself next time, they are folding metal framed temporary seats, none too supportive for a 6'2” person like me. I actually said I would not be returning to a current lineup FC gig......

To expand on my review. This was NOT billed as a “Fairport Acoustic Convention” night. We didn4t get full acoustic, and I acknowledged that fact. HOWEVER, it IS billed as 50;50 old songs and new. Indeed this was fully exploited by band members in various media and on Clive Anderson's radio show. It seems at best disingenuous to portray a forthcoming tour of 50% old songs that were mostly played electric, yet do the current somnolescent treatment on SOME of them 6 I acknowledged those that rocked. I'd go so far as to describe it as perverse to play much of this stuff on a mandolin or banjo and refuse to honour these great songs as they were. Simon, I know, is a reluctant electric guitar player, but to give him credit he straps the thing on- Mr Leslie COYLD have done so, but chose not to. That peed me of not a little, fair enough I'd say from my point of view.

What saddened me most of all was that there was no EXCITEMENT, no BUZZ about the show. Nobody ran to the front to dance to the band, nobody got to their feet – the audience dutifully clapped along when exhorted to do so by Peggy, but that was it. It was all “grown up” and too “safe”

Despite being now 60+ years, with tinnitus and ETD problems in my ears, I want to go away from a gig with my ears ringing, my senses blitzed by shock and awe from volume, frenzy and a great light show. I take onboard that this is not what FC do now- but they DID, or at least three of 'em did, along with Mattacks and Allcock. “My” FC too was Swarb, Simon, Peggy and Bruce, and THEY really blew the mind! Let me have my sad longing for what was once truly amazing- I guessed I'd never see the like again, it was confirmed, I saw some traces of remaining greatness but all in all I left deflated and disappointed. I'm actually pleased if others didn't and loved what they got, as it will help keep “Brand Fairport” going- but you really don't know what you COULD have had in a different universe!

It doesn't need an apology Chris. I am not sure where you got the ownership thing from.
It is more about identifying with a particular era of a band. I 'discovered Fairports in 69, aged 17. Important stuff.
So ','my' Floyd were pre DSOTM. Sabbath have to have Ozzie, not Ronnie James Dio, . Fleetwood Mac had to have Peter Green , etc etc.
I disagree with Simon Nicol a bit. A band is not like an  orchestra. Yes in an orchestra you can replace 25 players and it is still the Birmingham Symphony, playing the dots on the page. A band is far more intimate. Remove one piece and the whole dynamic changes.
Some artists, Cooder, Van Morrison, even Springsteen can change the band and it can go on cos it isbased around them .
Tom Petty thought he could change the drummer and he found it affected the whole dynamic and feel of the band.
So i don't own anything a bout the band it us just my memory of a particular time , event etc.
The first time I saw Oysterband, the Waterboys were wonderful. Both bands are diminished by losing people.
You can't replace Chopper.imho.
So some people discovered Fairport as the present line up and loved it.....and that is fine.
Hope that helps. G night.

Hi Dave thank you for this, I now fully understand and fully agree about what you are saying. I was perhaps getting a little too (wrongly) upset about certain comments. I've calmed down and can see things a bit more clearer. Thanks again for your comments

Chris

And Hendo, PJ Wright wasn't available back then, either. He was a teacher

Yes but he was  playing with Gibbons and I'm sure he could have been tempted. Just my fantasy.
Being serious I just think Chris's joining was the metamorphosis of the band  , either deliberately or by chance,from Folk Rock, to a more acoustic , singer songwriter approach. Yes some of Maarts arrangements had become overblown.
You could argue DM saw the writing on the wall and left. Or you could argue he had a lot of studio work on.
It will be interesting to see the difference between the Winter tour and the usually , more acoustic, spring tour.
They sit down, Gerry plays cajon instead of kit but apart from that the instrumentation will hardly change. We'll see if there is much change to the set list .

Funny thing, people know exactly what the current line up of FC is like, yet they still go to the concerts and wonder why its not like the old days. Its a bit like going to see YES and complaining its not Rick and Jon any more. Don't go!
I 'found' Fairport in the current set up and enjoyed what they did, I then explored the old stuff. Its a bit like someone discovering Genesis today then going back to Peter Gabriel. Very different bands, but don't compare like with like.
If you pay to see the current line up you know what to expect, a cosy, warm, relaxed, no stress evening with a tilt of the cap to the old days.
They are still VERY VERY good at what they do, even if what they do is not to everyone's liking.

Interesting topic drift - maybe one for the mods to deal with - BUT, if we look back to 84 / 85 when Ric and Maart joined I wonder if the great Barry Dransfield had been considered as a Swarb replacement, great fiddle player, knew the core band from Albions / Morris On etc, and I always think he has a fairly dark quality about him as a singer. Might have been an interesting like for like with Swarb.

DW

As a teenager I bought Unhalfbricking and I've followed FC ever since. I must confess that I like both the band in the early days and the current lineup. My least favourite period is the Simon-less years in the early to mid seventies and I have a soft spot for Angel Delight and later the Pegg-Nicol- Swarb-Bruce lineup. And I think that the last five years have been extremelly fruitful for the band. The Festival Bell had lots of good stuff on it (as well as the odd stinker like the uke-song), By Popular Request worked surprisingly well, Babbacombe Lee live was really good and Myths and Heroes is just as good or even better than most of their albums after Full House. And that from a bunch of guys really not that young anymore. That said, when I see the set-list  I can understand the criticism of the current tour and live shows. They chose to play the three weakest songs from the latest album, Devil's Work, Our Bus Rolls on (really an embarressment) and Summer by the Cherwell. All midtempo songs with not much excitement about them. They play the Feathers song from Myths and Heroeos, one of the two weak songs on that album, they play Portmeirion that makes the tempo of the concert slow down even more and so on. They could instead pick 10-15 other songs from the last albums and really shake up their harshest critics. Add Sir Patrick Spens, Ye Marriners all, Walk Awhile, Wassail song and Lord Marlborough (all songs played live fairly recently) and you have a great set list. And to make it a little bit more fresh, put Matty Groves and Meet in the Ledge to rest for awhile. Play them only at special occasions or as a surprise. End with The Bowman's Retreat followed by John Gaudie (both uptempo with Simon on electric) and as an encore Rising for the Moon. There you go, a really great Fairport concert.

Summer by the Cherwell is from the pen of PJ Wright.....not Chris Leslie, fyi

Not sure this is entirely true. Most of the reservations expressed on here have come from people who either did not go, knowing what they were likely to get or in one case somebody who had not seen the band for many years and was consequently disappointed. My own criticisms in what was otherwise a largely positive review were that the energy levels on this tour have dropped way below where they have ever been before, even a year ago. I have attended almost every Wintour for the last 28 years or so and therefore have some basis for comparison.



I think this is exactly right. Whatever people's personal opinions of them, certainly the last two studio albums exhibited a pace and energy on some songs which is entirely lacking from the current live set. We know that this line up is capable of it. The Butlins show from two or three years ago is testament to that. This year, rather oddly, in a year that should be a celebration of the entire history of the band (20 years of which belong to this line up) they have decided to do something rather downbeat.

I've never expected led zep except when I've been to see led zep, however when I go to see Fairport Convention I always hoped to see the founding fathers of British folk rock do something thrilling musically, whether it be the material or instrumentally. Unfortunately it hasn't done that for many years now.
     And that's why I stopped going to the wintour and FCA gigs.

Lots of very interesting, well thought out and impassioned views on this topic. Hopefully not swerving off topic, but I'd be interested to hear what those who didn't enjoy this tour thought of the Babbacombe Lee tour a few years ago?

There have been a load of comments here that Fairport are not what they were in the 1970s.
I would suggest that also applies to a lot of people commenting.

Time moves on and Fairport are no longer at the cutting edge of anything, but they are a thoroughly lovely way to spend an evening and the festival is still a highlight of the year. (That's not an opinion, it's a fact.)

Yes, Chris should play a lot more fiddle and Simon should play more electric (or rope in a youngster like Maart (60)).    

OT, but a few years ago I asked DM why he moved to Massachusetts (not strictly "why did you leave FC") and he said something to the effect that he knew in his heart it was the place he was meant to be.  I thought that was kinda sweet.

Well put and provides a neat conclusion to this particular thread I think

Agreed!

Blimey. All this cos one bloke had the temerity to criticise a gig!

Blimey. All this cos one bloke had the temerity to criticise a gig!

Yeah, maybe there's a new opening for me-- any site want to pay me to go to a gig, give a less than 100% favourable review, and foment lots of contentious discussion including outrage, rudeness, blind obvious statement like "do't go then" without fully reading previous entries. Wow, hours and hours of pleasure beckons stirring the proverbial............................

Register on a board and post a long, negative and boarder line personal review, as your first post, on a board that is broadly positive about Fairport. That is going to get a reaction.
One possible reaction would have been to shout Troll, but we'll see.

  

I thought the bloke wrote an honest account of his experience at a gig.
If only all reviews of gigs were as honest.
There has been plenty of gushing reviews of the 50/50 tour shows without a word but one that is critical and some members go into meltdown because it doesn't meet their expectations.
    Criticism isn't trolling.

Edit: That's why I said we'll see... Colin

Wise words.
Thank You.

Back on topic please.

I liked the review. Most interesting thing I've read on here for a while.
I think it probably summed up how I might have felt in the event I went to a Fairport gig.

Yes I think it is fair to say that there are plenty of us here on TAW who would not completely disagree with the review. I enjoyed the show I went to a little more than sirspens but have been open about what I perceived as its flaws.

I think the criticisms expressed by sirspens are valid, whether or not I agree with all of them and it is definitely not a trolling post. My only complaint about it would be the violence of some of the language used, or at least implied, which was not necessary to get the point across.

The attacks on Chris Leslie were a bit nasty and unwarranted. Particularly as they were repeated frequently. >:(

I think the majority are in agreement with this. Personally I enjoyed the gig at the Union Chapel although it was a little like a game of 2 halves with the 2nd being better than the first

I don't think I've seen any attacks on Chris, Jude.  There have been a few comments about his perceived MUSICAL strengths and otherwise, but I've seen nothing nasty at all.  This is a musical debate about a musical subject.  Isn't that why we exist?

I'll say this one more time.

If you have a load of posts, then it will just be a review, critical or otherwise.
If your posts 1,2 & 3 are critical, then the Troll alarm goes off. A Troll being somebody how deliberately posts something controversial and then stands back an enjoys the fun. Not only debating what was said, but carrying on and on, exactly like this.

Please let's just get back on topic and then we'll see.

I have just read it again because I was under that impression too but actually they are not really nasty (except maybe once). Mostly it is a calling into question, rightly or wrongly, of Chris's musical role in the band. But it is repetitive and that along with the language used makes it a bit tiresome and actually undermines it as a review.

Hi Colin. I tried to inject a little humour.I guess it doesn't always come across in the typed word! I am no troll, though I can see why as a moderator you might think so, unless you read my intro and realised I am a TRULY passionate long time fan of FC.Otherwise I would not have been so disappointed at what this band has become. As I see it, fandom doesn't preclude criticism, and my little "review" seems to accord with a number of like minded contributors on here. Where I gave offence, to "Amethys/Jenny" then I replied with explanation and apology. If you view other posts by me, you will see I contributed positively. IF the site is to be restricted to only "largely positive" remarks re FC, then so be it, but it seems rather proscriptive about a band with so many twists and turns, ups and downs,0 in it's lineup and history. I hope this satisfies your description of me as a possible troll...............

That's a definition of a troll that suits a particular purpose, Colin.  A troll is somebody that doesn't care less about the subject matter but fires off controversial opinions just to get a response...because they enjoy it.  That is categorically not what is happening here which is a perfectly valid musical debate.

Shall we start marking each other's posts now?!

Was that necessary? Really? I have been standing up for the guy. I was just pointing out what it is about the post that might be creating so much ire?

Did anybody say that? I don't think so. (Yellow card)

This is all getting wildly out of control and if it's not Trolling, it's having that effect.

Stop it!

I have to say I'm one who loves Fairport musically for what they were rather than what they are now. Having said that i always go to see them on tour because perhaps ?stupidly? I feel a part of the Fairport "family" and that means a great deal to me. I've made many friends via Fairport, people I would never have come to know if it wasn't for the band ... Some of my happiest moments have been on a field in August.... I want to support Fairport for what they have given to me. So I went to the winter tour 3 generations of us... (i wonder how many other bands have that generational following)It wasn't jaw droppingly exciting but entertaining never the less. I go and see other acts for my excitement these days ;D ;D
Thanks Fairport!

Sometimes I wish I had never opened my mouth, and if I had known that I would have caused all this commotion I wouldn't have.

My only reason for reacting initially was that I was at the same gig...

I will say no more on the subject now and see you all in a field!

This has actually been one of the liveliest, most interesting and engaged discussions on TAW for a long time with the cut and thrust that used to exist here but has long since disappeared. It is entirely on topic as far as I can see and it would surely be a shame to stifle it.

Agree with that.

I have sympathies with many of the points of views expressed over disappointment with Fairport's latterday safe, cosy and comfortable stylings.  But I can't find it in my heart to single out Chris Leslie for criticism.  He's too lovely a man.  He also sings well.  And although his songwriting may not be to my tastes, at least he can be bothered to do some.  The five men in the band must be aware of this kind of criticism by now, unless they live in a bubble.  If they choose to ignore it, as is their right, then fans either go with the flow, or move on.

Jules

I am commenting because, like Gub , I have found this discussion interesting.
Lets assume that Chris joining the band was a definite move to a more acoustic sound . A move away from folk rock.
You can also argue that Peggy and Simon had been drawing songs from singer songwriters rather than raiding folk vaults . A move away from folk.
So we have a band , now with it's own singer songwriter and the band use that as the core of their new material.
So the band morphs in to where we are today. Gentle singer songwriter songs.
Chris writes what he writes. I have seen him solo a couple of times and really enjoyed it. His songs , for me, benefit from a more simple , organic arrangement . I have his solo albums, lovely meditative stuff.
So for better or worse, the band is where it is.......

Back on topic, was anybody at the Settle gig last night? I left it too late to get a ticket but then Thursday is not a good day for gig-going as I'm usually doing my radio show.

So sadly I won't be seeing them on this tour.  :(

Back on topic please Colin - NOW!  ;D

I've purposely kept clear of it by not commenting, but I agree with Gub, it's been the most enjoyable couple of days on TAW for many years!

A very enjoyable evening at a packed Leeds City Varieties as the Wintour bus rolls to the end.

For me, the highlight was Rising for the Moon, not least because I first saw FC in a tremendous performance at Leeds Uni in '75. The comment above I most agree with is that Sally Barker should have done a couple more. Her voice is good for the more robust end of Sandy's repertoire such as John the Gun. I'd also like to have seen her take on Matty Groves.

I've probably been to five Wintours now over the last fifteen years and have enjoyed them all. The bus song and the DIY song are not memorable but as songs for live performance they play to their strength as an ensemble.

I would definitely recommend the current line-up of Fotheringay, she sings a very fine version of John the Gun with them  :)